Eyelash extension, and method for making and attaching the same

ABSTRACT

An artificial eyelash  100  for increasing a length of an eyelash  50  is disclosed. The artificial eyelash  100  disclosed herein includes an artificial eyelash main body  10  and an annular member  20  for coupling the artificial eyelash main body  10  and the eyelash  50.  The annular member  20  is formed of a shrinkable material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/137,684, filed on Sep. 2, 2011, which claims thebenefit of priority based upon Japanese Patent Application No.2010-197572 filed on Sep. 3, 2010, Japanese Utility Model ApplicationNo. 2011-1984 filed on Apr. 11, 2011, Japanese Utility Model ApplicationNo. 2011-1985 filed on Apr. 11, 2011, and Japanese Utility ModelApplication No. 2011-3725 filed on Jun. 30, 2011, the entirety of eachof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an artificial eyelash, and specificallyto an eyelash extension.

2. Description of the Related Art

A set of false eyelashes is provided for adding length and volume tonatural eyelashes and thus making eyes appear larger, more beautiful andmore attractive. A false eyelash set is produced by tying a plurality ofartificial eyelashes and providing a glue portion at an end thereof. Theglue portion is attached to an eyelid of a user, and thus the falseeyelash set can add length and volume to the natural eyelashes of theuser (e.g., Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publications Nos. 2008-231632 and2005-146500). Such a false eyelash set is bonded to the skin of theuser, and so makes the user feel uncomfortable and occasionally gives arash to the skin of the user.

In the meantime, an artificial eyelash having substantially the sameshape as that of a natural eyelash and adding length and volume thereto,namely, a so-called “extension” has been recently proposed (e.g.,Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2010-24579). The extension(artificial eyelash) is not bonded to the eyelid but is directly bondedto an eyelash with glue. Therefore, the extension makes the user feelcomfortable and has a lower risk of giving a rash to the skin of theuser. Since one extension is bonded to one eyelash, such extensions canadd length and volume to the eyelashes more naturally than the falseeyelashes.

As described above, the extension is bonded to the eyelash with glue,and so can lower the risk of giving a rash to the skin as compared witha false eyelash, the glue component of which is in contact with the skin(eyelid). However, even though the glue is bonded to the eyelash insteadof the skin (eyelid), when a user whose skin easily gets a rash due toan allergic reaction to the glue uses the extension, a volatilesubstance of the glue or the solidified glue may possibly cause a rashto the skin of the user. There is medical glue which does not easilycause a rash to the skin. However, it is merely that such glue does noteasily cause a rash and it is not that such glue never causes a rash.Such glue is not commonly used in the industry of eyelash extensions andfalse eyelashes. In addition, such medical glue may cause problems interms of costs because the materials thereof cost about 100 times higherthan the glue typically used in the industry of eyelash extensions andfalse eyelashes.

Moreover, even if the glue does not cause a rash to the skin of theuser, the smell of the glue may give a discomfort or cause sneezing or arunny nose to the user. These problems may be caused to both of theusers and engineers who attach the extensions. However, the extensionscannot be attached to the eyelashes without glue, and such discomfortcannot be avoided. There is another problem that when the bondingsurfaces have oil components or stains, the extensions are easilydetached.

The extension disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.2010-24579 has a recessed portion which covers at least ¼ of the eyelashof the user. A glue is applied to the extension having such a recessedportion, and the eyelash of the user is put into close contact with therecessed portion of the extension. Thus, the extension can be bonded tothe eyelash. Owing to the close contact of the eyelash with the recessedportion, the bonding area size of the extension and the eyelash can beincreased, which easily prevents the extension from being detached orslipped.

However, it takes a lot of time and labor to accurately fit the recessedportion to each of the eyelashes from below. An extension with norecessed portion (usual extension) can be bonded to the eyelash withglue; whereas in the case of the extension disclosed in JapaneseLaid-Open Patent Publication No. 2010-24579, each eyelash needs to befit to an inner face of the recessed portion of the extension. Theextension with such a recessed portion is held by tweezers foroperation, and so it needs time and labor to direct the inner face ofthe recessed portion upward each time.

The extension is not directly attached to the eyelid and so has a lowerrisk of causing a rash to the skin. For this reason, it has not beenconceived to make the extension antibacterial in the industry ofextensions. However, the extension is kept attached to the eyelid and soit is not preferable that bacteria are propagated in the extension.

The present inventor noted such problems of extensions, and conductedactive studies in an attempt to solve the problems from a viewpointdifferent from the conventional viewpoint. The present invention, madein light of such a situation, has a main object of providing a novelartificial eyelash. Specifically, an object of the present invention isto provide an artificial eyelash attachable with no use of glue. Anotherobject of the present invention is to provide an artificial eyelashextension on which glue stays well. Still another object of the presentinvention is to provide an eyelash extension on which glue stays welland which is lightweight. Still another object of the present inventionis to provide an eyelash extension which is antibacterial.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An artificial eyelash in an embodiment according to the presentinvention is an artificial eyelash for increasing a length of aneyelash. The artificial eyelash includes an artificial eyelash mainbody; and an annular member for coupling the artificial eyelash mainbody and the eyelash. The annular member is formed of a shrinkablematerial.

In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body is aneyelash extension.

In a preferable embodiment, the annular member is formed of a thermallyshrinkable material shrinkable by heat.

In a preferable embodiment, the annular member is formed of a rubbermaterial.

In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body and theannular member are integral.

In a preferable embodiment, a plurality of the annular members areprovided for one artificial eyelash.

In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body is formedof a colored resin.

In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body is formedof a natural resin.

In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body containssilver ions.

A method for attaching an artificial eyelash in an embodiment accordingto the present invention includes the steps of preparing an artificialeyelash main body and an annular member formed of a shrinkable material;locating the artificial eyelash main body near an eyelash; locating aportion of the artificial eyelash main body overlapping the eyelash inan opening of the annular member; and shrinking the annular member tofix the artificial eyelash main body and the eyelash.

In a preferable embodiment, the annular member is formed of a thermallyshrinkable resin film shrinkable by heat; and in the step of fixing theartificial eyelash main body and the eyelash, the annular member isshrunk by heat from a heater, thereby coupling the artificial eyelashmain body and the eyelash.

In a preferable embodiment, in the step of locating a portion of theartificial eyelash main body overlapping the eyelash, the artificialeyelash main body is temporarily attached to at least one of the eyelashand the annular member by use of a liquid.

In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body is aneyelash extension.

In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body and theannular member are integral.

In a preferable embodiment, in the step of fixing the artificial eyelashmain body and the eyelash, the artificial eyelash main body and theeyelash are fixed with no use of glue.

An eyelash extension in an embodiment according to the present inventionis an eyelash extension for increasing a length of an eyelash. Theeyelash extension includes an artificial eyelash main body; and groovesformed in the artificial eyelash main body. The artificial eyelash mainbody includes a root portion contactable with the eyelash and a tipportion located opposite to the root portion; and the root portion has apolygonal cross-section which has at least five apexes and grooveslocated between the apexes.

In a preferable embodiment, the grooves are formed to extend in anextending direction of the artificial eyelash main body; and the groovesextend from the root portion to at least a middle point, which islocated in the middle between an end face of the root portion and thetip portion.

In a preferable embodiment, the apexes of the cross-section are locatedat apexes of a regular octagon, and the grooves are located between theapexes of the regular octagon.

In a preferable embodiment, tips of the apexes are rounded.

In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body containssilver ions.

An eyelash extension in an embodiment according to the present inventionis an eyelash extension for increasing a length of an eyelash. Theeyelash extension includes an artificial eyelash main body including aroot portion contactable with the eyelash and a tip portion locatedopposite to the root portion. The root portion has a coarse surfaceportion.

In a preferable embodiment, the coarse surface portion is formed on theentirety of the artificial eyelash main body.

In a preferable embodiment, the coarse surface portion includes aplurality of particle-like convexed and concaved portions.

In a preferable embodiment, the coarse surface portion includes convexedand concaved portions formed by frosting.

In a preferable embodiment, the coarse surface portion includes convexedand concaved portions formed of a plurality of scratch-like grooves.

In a preferable embodiment, the coarse surface portion includes convexedand concaved portions formed by rubbing with a file.

An artificial eyelash in an embodiment according to the presentinvention is an artificial eyelash for increasing a length of aneyelash. The artificial eyelash includes an artificial eyelash main bodyincluding a tip portion and an end portion; and an antibacterialmaterial contained in the artificial eyelash main body. The end portionof the artificial eyelash main body has a diameter which is larger thana diameter of the tip portion.

In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body is aneyelash extension.

In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body is formedof a resin; the antibacterial material is silver ions; and the silverions are dispersed in the resin.

In a preferable embodiment, the resin is polybutylene terephthalate; andthe artificial eyelash main body has a circular cross-section.

A method for attaching an artificial eyelash in an embodiment accordingto the present invention includes the steps of preparing an artificialeyelash main body containing an antibacterial material; locating theartificial eyelash main body near an eyelash; and fixing the artificialeyelash main body and the eyelash.

In a preferable embodiment, in the step of fixing the artificial eyelashmain body and the eyelash, the artificial eyelash main body istemporarily attached to the eyelash by use of a liquid.

According to the artificial eyelash of the present invention, theartificial eyelash main body and the eyelash are coupled together by anannular member formed of a shrinkable material. Therefore, theartificial eyelash main body (e.g., an eyelash extension) can beattached to the eyelash with no use of glue.

The eyelash extension of the present invention includes an artificialeyelash main body and grooves formed in the artificial eyelash mainbody. The root portion of the artificial eyelash main body has apolygonal cross-section having at least five apexes and grooves locatedbetween the apexes. The grooves in such a polygonal shape of theartificial eyelash main body can easily hold the glue, and thus canimprove the adhesiveness between the eyelash of the user and theartificial eyelash main body. Since the grooves are located between theapexes of the polygonal cross-section, the artificial eyelash main bodycan be bonded to the eyelash by use of the grooves holding the glue, notonly in one direction but in other directions.

The artificial eyelash main body has a plurality of grooves. Therefore,the weight of the eyelash extension can be decreased as compared withthat of an eyelash extension with no groove. The eyelash extension is tobe attached to the eyelash of the user. Therefore, although each eyelashextension is lightweight, decreasing the weight thereof influences how auser (wearer) feels when wearing the eyelash extension. The resultanteyelash extension is comfortable to wear.

Where the cross-section is octagonal, there are advantages that theinterval of the grooves can be made appropriate and that it isrelatively easy to produce the eyelash extension.

According to the eyelash extension of the present invention, the rootportion of the artificial eyelash main body has a coarse surfaceportion. The coarse surface portion can easily hold the glue, and thuscan improve the adhesiveness between the eyelash of the user and theartificial eyelash main body. In the case where the coarse surfaceportion is formed on the entirety of the circumference of the artificialeyelash main body, the glue can be applied to the coarse surfaceportion, not only in one direction but in other directions, to bond theartificial eyelash main body to the eyelash.

According to the artificial eyelash of the present invention, theartificial eyelash main body contains an antibacterial material.Therefore, the eyelash extension can be antibacterial owing to theantibacterial effect of the antibacterial material (e.g., silver ions).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows artificial eyelashes 100 in an embodiment according to thepresent invention in an attached state.

FIG. 2 shows a structure of one artificial eyelash 100 in the embodimentaccording to the present invention.

FIGS. 3( a) through (c) show steps of a method for attaching theartificial eyelash 100.

FIG. 4 shows an example in which two annular members 20 are provided toone eyelash 50.

FIG. 5 shows an annular member 24 integrated with an artificial eyelashmain body 10.

FIG. 6 shows how the artificial eyelash main body 10 is fixed by theannular member 20 integrated therewith.

FIGS. 7( a) and (b) show a method for attaching an artificial eyelashmain body 16 of a false eyelash type to the eyelashes 50.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view schematically showing how the artificialeyelash main body 16 is fixed by the annular members 20 at an endthereof.

FIGS. 9( a) and (b) show a method for attaching a short false eyelash 18to the eyelashes 50.

FIG. 10 shows how a root portion of the false eyelash 18 is fixed to theeyelash 50 by the annular member 20.

FIG. 11 shows how an artificial eyelash portion 13L of the false eyelash18 is fixed to the eyelash 50 by the annular member 20.

FIG. 12 shows how an artificial eyelash main body 10 is fixed to theeyelash 50 by use of an annular member 24 formed of a rubber material.

FIG. 13( a) shows a structure of an artificial eyelash 150, and FIG. 13(b) shows the artificial eyelash 150 which is attached to the eyelash 50.

FIG. 14 shows an extension 200 in an embodiment according to the presentinvention in an attached state.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a structure of the extension 200in the embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the extension 200 taken along lineA-A in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of part B of the extension 200 in FIG. 15.

FIGS. 18( a) through (c) show a method for attaching the extension 200to the eyelash 50.

FIG. 19 shows the extensions 200 which are attached to upper eyelashes50.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of theextension 200.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of theextension 200.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of theextension 200.

FIG. 23 shows an extension 250 in an embodiment according to the presentinvention in an attached state.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a structure of the extension 250in the embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the extension 200 taken along lineA-A in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of part B of the extension 250 in FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of theextension 250.

FIG. 28 shows an extension 300 in an embodiment according to the presentinvention in an attached state.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a structure of the extension 300in the embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the extension 300 taken along lineA-A in FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of part B of the extension 300 in FIG.29.

FIGS. 32( a) through (c) show a method for attaching the extension 300to the eyelash 50.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present inventor conceived from a different viewpoint from thetechnological common knowledge of the extension that the extension isbonded to the eyelash by use of glue. The extension could be bonded tothe eyelash by use of nonirritating medical glue, but instead, thepresent inventor did active studies to develop a technique of attachingan extension with no use of glue and arrived at the structures ofembodiments of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be describedwith reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below,elements having substantially the same functions will be representedwith the same reference numerals for simplifying the description. Thepresent invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

Embodiment 1

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an artificial eyelash 100 in anembodiment according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1shows a plurality of artificial eyelashes 100 in this embodiment whichare attached to eyelashes 50 of a user 1000. FIG. 2 shows a structure ofthe artificial eyelash 100 in this embodiment.

The artificial eyelash 100 in this embodiment is for increasing a lengthof the eyelash 50 of the user 1000, and includes an artificial eyelashmain body 10 and an annular member 20 for coupling the artificialeyelash main body 10 and the eyelash 50. The artificial eyelash mainbody 10 in this embodiment is an artificial eyelash extension. Theannular member 20 in this embodiment is formed of a shrinkable material(e.g., thermally shrinkable resin material). The artificial eyelash mainbody 10 is attached to the eyelash 50 extending from skin 55 (in thisexample, a part of the eyelid) by the annular member 20 in a shrunkstate.

Now, with reference to FIGS. 3( a) through (c), a method for attachingthe artificial eyelash 100 in this embodiment will be described. Herein,the annular member before being shrunk (ring member) is represented by“22”, and the annular member after being shrunk (tightening member orfixing member) is represented by “20” for the sake of convenience.

First, as shown in FIG. 3( a), the artificial eyelash main body 10,which is a main body of the artificial eyelash 100 in this embodiment,is located near the eyelash 50. The artificial eyelash main body 10 ispicked up with, for example, tweezers and is located near the eyelash50.

The artificial eyelash main body 10 in this embodiment is formed of, forexample, a resin (typically, polybutylene terephthalate, polyester,acrylic resin, vinyl chloride, nylon). The artificial eyelash main body10 has a length of, for example, 5 mm to 20 mm and a diameter (orthickness) of, for example, 0.07 mm to 0.3 mm. The artificial eyelashmain body 10 may be formed of a black material or a different-coloredmaterial. The artificial eyelash main body 10 may be colored, forexample, dark brown, purple, blue, pink, silver, green, light orange,light gold, red, wine red, white, yellow or the like, and thus canrealize a color extension. The artificial eyelash main body 10, althoughso called, is for artificially increasing the length of the eyelash, andso may be formed of a natural material (e.g., animal-derived material,typically, human hair, animal hair (hair of mink, etc.) or silk; orplant-derived material, typically, cotton) instead of an artificialmaterial (resin, etc.).

Next, as shown in FIG. 3( b), the artificial eyelash main body 10 is putinto contact with a part of the eyelash 50 (e.g., a part from the centerto the tip thereof), and the annular member 22 is located at a positionwhere the eyelash 50 overlaps the artificial eyelash main body 10. Theannular member 22 is formed of a thermally shrinkable material (e.g.,vinyl chloride, polyolefin, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate,polystyrene). When being heated (as represented by arrow 70), theannular member 22 is shrunk. The annular member 22 may be formed athermally shrinkable resin film which has been shaped like a ring.

In the example shown in FIG. 3( b), a part of the eyelash 50 and a partof the artificial eyelash main body 10 are located in an opening 22 a ofthe annular member 22, and these elements are heated by use of a heatingdevice (not shown) as represented by arrow 70. The heat may be from adryer or any other source (e.g., a lamp, typically, a candescent lamp,an LED, etc.; a heater, etc.). In this example, the annular member 22 isoutserted over the artificial eyelash main body 10 as represented byarrow 25, and then is set around the eyelash 50. Alternatively, theannular member 22 may be set around a part of the eyelash 50 (e.g., thetip thereof), and then a part of the artificial eyelash main body 10 maybe inserted into the opening 22 a of the annular member 22.

Next, the annular member 22 is heated to be shrunk as shown in FIG. 3(c). As a result, the shrunk annular member 20 couples the artificialeyelash main body 10 and the eyelash 50. Namely, heating of the annularmember 22 causes the artificial eyelash main body 10 and the eyelash 50to be fixed by the annular member 20.

According to the structure of this embodiment, the artificial eyelashmain body 10 can be attached to the eyelash 50 by the annular member 20.Therefore, the artificial eyelash 100 attachable with no use of glue canbe realized. In the above description, the artificial eyelash main body10 is attached to the upper eyelash 50, but may be attached to a lowereyelash.

The inner diameter of the annular member 22 (diameter of the opening 22a) and the outer diameter of the annular member 22 may be determined tobe preferable values in accordance with the form used. The innerdiameter of the annular member 22 (diameter of the opening 22 a) needsto be such that both of the eyelash 50 and the artificial eyelash mainbody 10 can be inserted thereto (e.g., 0.2 mm or greater). The diameterof the opening 22 a also needs to be such that the annular member 22after being heated and thus shrunk can bind the eyelash 50 and theartificial eyelash main body 10 (e.g., 1 mm or less).

In the above-described embodiment, one annular member 20 (or 22) isprovided for one eyelash 50, but alternatively, a plurality of annularmembers 20 may be provided for one eyelash 50. In the example shown inFIG. 4, two annular members 20 (20A, 20B) are provided for one eyelash50. Where a plurality of annular members 20 are provided like this, theattachment operation requires time and labor, but the bonding force ofthe eyelash 50 and the artificial eyelash main body 10 is increased andso the time until the artificial eyelash main body 10 is detached can beextended.

According to the structure of the above-described embodiment, theartificial eyelash main body 10 and the annular member 20 (22) areindependent elements. The present invention is not limited to this. Asshown in FIG. 5, an annular member 24 integrated with the artificialeyelash main body 10 may be used. In this example, the artificialeyelash main body 10 with the annular member 24 is picked up withtweezers 60, and then a part of the eyelash 50 is inserted into anopening 24 a of the annular member 24 as represented by arrow 25. Then,as shown in FIG. 6, the annular member 24 is heated to be shrunk by heat70. Thus, the artificial eyelash main body 10 and the eyelash 50 can befixed by the shrunk annular member 20.

As shown in FIG. 5, the artificial eyelash main body 10 integrated withthe annular member 24 can be picked up and moved, and then the annularmember 24 can be outserted over the eyelash 50. Such a structure is moreconvenient to attach the artificial eyelash 100 than the structure inwhich the annular member 22 and the artificial eyelash main body 10 areindependent from each other. The artificial eyelash main body 10integrated with the annular member 24 can be produced by, for example,mutual fusion of the annular member 24 and the artificial eyelash mainbody 10. Alternatively, the annular member 24 may be bonded to theartificial eyelash main body 10 by use of glue. A reason why glue can beused in this step is that since the glue is used for producing theartificial eyelash main body 10 integrated with the annular member 24and is cured before the artificial eyelash main body 10 is attached, therisk that the glue influences the skin 55 of the user 1000 can beavoided.

In the above-described embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body 10is an eyelash extension. The present invention is not limited to thisand is applicable to an artificial eyelash main body of a false eyelashtype. FIGS. 7( a) and (b) show a method for attaching an artificialeyelash main body 16 of a false eyelash type to the eyelashes 50 of theuser 1000.

First, as shown in FIG. 7( a), an artificial eyelash main body (falseeyelash type) 16 including a support portion 14 and artificial eyelashportions 19 extending from the support portion 14 is prepared, and islocated near the eyelashes 50 as represented by arrow 75. Then, as shownin FIG. 7( b), the artificial eyelash portions 19 of the artificialeyelash main body 16 and the eyelashes 50 are fixed by use of theannular members 20.

In this embodiment, the annular members 20 are used at both of two endsand a central part of the artificial eyelash main body 16. Morespecifically, two annular members 20 are used at each of the two ends ofthe artificial eyelash main body 16, and three annular members 20 areused at the central part thereof. FIG. 8 is an enlarged viewschematically showing how the annular members 20 fix the artificialeyelash portions 19 and the eyelashes 50 at an end of the artificialeyelash main body 16.

In addition, a short false eyelash (artificial eyelash main body) 18 asshown in FIGS. 9( a) and (b) may be attached to the eyelash 50 by theannular member 20. The short false eyelash 18 includes a plurality ofartificial eyelash portions 13 (13L, 13S). The short false eyelash 18shown in the figures includes three artificial eyelash portions 13,namely, one long portion 13L and two short portions 13S. As the numberand lengths of the artificial eyelash portions, preferable values may beappropriately selected.

First, as shown in FIG. 9( a), the short false eyelash 18 is preparedand located near the eyelash 50 as represented by arrow 75. Next, theshort false eyelash 18 is fixed to the eyelash 50 by the annular member20. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a root portion of the short falseeyelash 18 may be fixed to the eyelash 50 by the annular member 20; oras shown in FIG. 11, the artificial eyelash portion 13L of the falseeyelash 18 may be fixed to the eyelash 50 by the annular member 20.

The annular member 20 (22) is described above as being formed of athermally shrinkable material, but the present invention is not limitedto this. The annular member 20 (22) may be formed of any othershrinkable material which can fix the artificial eyelash main body 10(or 19, etc.) to the eyelash 50. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, theartificial eyelash main body 10 may be fixed to the eyelash 50 by use ofan annular member 26 formed of an expandable rubber material (e.g., anexpandable material such as silicone rubber or the like). In this case,while an opening 26 a of the annular member 26 is expanded with tweezers60B, the artificial eyelash main body 10 held with tweezers 60A isinserted into the expanded opening 26 a. Then, when the tweezers 60B aredetached, the annular member 26 is shrunk to fix both of the elements(10, 50).

As shown in FIG. 13( a), this embodiment may be modified to anartificial eyelash (extension) 150 including a band-like portion 28connected to a part of the artificial eyelash main body 10 (rootportion). The band-like portion 28 of the extension 150 is formed of ashrinkable material (typically, a thermally shrinkable material). Asshown in FIG. 13( b), the band-like portion 28 of the extension 150 iswound around the eyelash 50 to form an annular member 29. The annularmember 29 is shrunk to fix the artificial eyelash main body 10 and theeyelash 50. In the above-described embodiment, the annular member 22 isshrunk by heat provided thereto, but alternatively, the annular member22 may be shrunk by an ultrasonic energy provided thereto, instead ofthe heat. From the viewpoint of the annular member 22, provision of theultrasonic energy is also considered to be provision of heat because theultrasonic energy also vibrates the annular member 22. However, thetechnique of providing the ultrasonic energy has advantages that, forexample, the hands of the operator do not feel hot or do not burn. Forproviding the ultrasonic energy, an element for generating ultrasonicwaves is located at tips of the tweezers, an iron or tongs, and theannular member 22 is held between the tips to obtain an ultrasonicenergy. In this manner, the annular member 22 can be shrunk.

This embodiment has been described by way of various examples. Theseexamples do not limit the present invention, and the present inventioncan be modified in various manners, needless to say. For example, in thestep shown in FIG. 3( b) or the like, at least two among (or all of) theartificial eyelash main body 10, the annular member 22, and the eyelash50 can be temporarily attached together by use of a liquid (e.g., wateror a liquid having a higher viscosity than that of water, typically, aliquid cosmetic material). Where the above-mentioned element (10 or 22)and the eyelash 50 can be temporarily attached together by use of such aliquid having a viscosity usable for temporary attachment (e.g., wateror a liquid cosmetic material), the operation of the operator whoattaches the artificial eyelash 100 may become easier. Even if a traceamount of glue is used for the temporary attachment, the glue does notcause any problem because the fixation of the elements is realized bythe annular member 20. Even if medical glue is used as the glue fortemporary attachment, the cost can still be reduced because the amountof the medical glue used here is very small.

Embodiment 2

With reference to FIG. 14, an eyelash extension 200 in an embodimentaccording to the present invention will be described. FIG. 14 shows theeyelash extension 200 in this embodiment which is attached to an eyelash50 of a user (wearer) 1000.

The eyelash extension 200 in this embodiment is for increasing thelength of the eyelash 50 of the user 1000. In embodiments according tothe present invention, an eyelash extension may be occasionally referredto as an “extension”.

The extension 200 in this embodiment includes an artificial eyelash mainbody 10 and grooves 34 formed in the artificial eyelash main body 10.The artificial eyelash main body 10 includes a root portion 15contactable with the eyelash 50 of the user 1000 and a tip portion 11located opposite to the root portion 15. In this embodiment, the rootportion 15 has a polygonal cross-section having at least five apexes 32and the grooves 34 located between the apexes 32.

In the extension 200 in this embodiment, glue 21 is applied to the rootportion 15. The extension 200 is bonded and thus fixed to the eyelash 50with the glue 21.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a structure of the extension 200in this embodiment. FIG. 16 shows a cross-section taken along line A-Ain FIG. 15. FIG. 17 shows an enlarged side view of part B in FIG. 15.

In the extension 200 in this embodiment, the grooves 34 extend in anextending direction 65 of the artificial eyelash main body 10. As shownin FIG. 16, the cross-section of the artificial eyelash main body 10 hasa regular octagonal shape, with the grooves 34 being formed between theapexes 32. More specifically, the apexes 32 of the cross-section of theartificial eyelash main body 10 are located at apexes of the regularoctagon. Thus, the apexes 32 are formed at every 45°. Regarding a partof the regular octagon between 0° and 90°, the apexes 32 are located at0°, 45° and 90°, and a groove 34 is located between the apexes at 0° and45° and another groove 34 is located between the apexes at 45° and 90°.

The artificial eyelash main body 10 in this embodiment has a shape inwhich the root portion 15 is thick and becomes thinner toward the tipportion 11. The artificial eyelash main body 10 in this embodiment isformed of, for example, a resin (typically, polybutylene terephthalate,polyester, acrylic resin, vinyl chloride, nylon). The artificial eyelashmain body 10 has a length of, for example, 5 mm to 20 mm and a diameter(or thickness) of, for example, 0.07 mm to 0.3 mm.

The artificial eyelash main body 10 may be formed of a black material ora different-colored material. The artificial eyelash main body 10 may becolored, for example, dark brown, purple, blue, pink, silver, green,light orange, light gold, red, wine red, white, yellow or the like, andthus can realize a color extension. The artificial eyelash main body 10,although so called, is for artificially increasing the length of theeyelash, and so may be formed of a natural material (e.g.,animal-derived material, typically, human hair, animal hair (hair ofmink, etc.) or silk; or plant-derived material, typically, cotton)instead of an artificial material (resin, etc.).

Each of the grooves 34 formed in the artificial eyelash main body 10 mayhave a depth T of, for 20 to 40 (typically, 30) where the thickness ofthe artificial eyelash main body 10 is 100. According to the structureof this embodiment, the grooves 34 are formed from an end face 15 a ofthe root portion 15 to the tip portion 11. However, the grooves 34 donot need to be formed up to the very tip of the tip portion 11 andmerely need to be formed in at least the root portion 15. A reason forthis is that where the extension 200 is produced by a certain method,the grooves 34 may disappear in the tip portion 11 having a smallerdiameter.

In the extension 200 in this embodiment, the grooves 34 can extend fromthe root portion 15 to, for example, a middle point 17, which is locatedin the middle between the end face 15 a of the root portion 15 and thetip portion 11. Where the extension 200 is produced by a certain method,a part of the artificial eyelash main body 10 may melt to disappear atthe position of the end face 15 a of the root portion 15. Therefore,even where the grooves 34 are formed in the root portion 15, it is notabsolutely necessary that the grooves 34 are formed at the position ofthe end face 15 a of the root portion 15.

Now, with reference to FIGS. 18( a) through (c), a method for attachingthe extension 200 in this embodiment to the eyelash 50 will bedescribed.

First, as shown in FIG. 18( a), a part of the extension 200 is picked upwith the tweezers 60, and the extension 200 is located near the eyelash50 in the state where the glue 21 is applied to the root portion 15.

Next, as shown in FIG. 18( b), the glue 21 of the extension 200 isattached to the eyelash 50 and the extension 200 is put into closecontact with the eyelash 50. When the glue 21 is cured to fix theextension 200 to the eyelash 50, as shown in FIG. 18( c), the tweezers60 are detached. Thus, the attachment of the extension 200 is completed.This operation is conducted for each eyelash 50.

In the extension 200 in this embodiment, the root portion of theartificial eyelash main body 10 has a polygonal cross-section having thegrooves 34 between the apexes 32. The grooves 34 in such a polygonalshape of the artificial eyelash main body 10 can easily hold the glue21, and thus can improve the adhesiveness between the eyelash 50 of theuser and the artificial eyelash main body 10. Since the grooves 34 arelocated between the apexes 32 of the polygonal cross-section, theartificial eyelash main body 10 can be bonded to the eyelash 50 by useof the grooves 34 holding the glue, not only in one direction but inother directions. As compared with an extension having a C-shapedrecessed portion in one direction, the extension 200 can be attached tothe eyelash 50 more easily.

The artificial eyelash main body 10 has a plurality of grooves 34.Therefore, the weight (mass) of the extension 200 can be decreased ascompared with that of an extension with no groove 34. The extension 200is to be attached to the eyelash of the user. Therefore, although eachextension 200 is lightweight, decreasing the weight thereof influenceshow the user 1000 feels when wearing the extension 200. The resultantextension 200 is comfortable to wear. The extension 200 in thisembodiment, although depending on the thickness of the artificialeyelash main body 10 or the depth T of the grooves 34, can be decreasedin weight by, for example, 10% to 70% as compared with an extension withno groove 34.

FIG. 19 shows the extensions 200 which are attached to the uppereyelashes 50. As shown in FIG. 19, the extensions 200 are attached tomany eyelashes 50. The extension 200 in this embodiment allows theartificial eyelash main body 10 to be attached to the eyelash 50 easilyowing to the plurality of grooves 34 formed in the artificial eyelashmain body 10. Therefore, the operation of attaching many extensions 200can be made more easily as compared with the case of a conventionalextension with no groove.

In addition, the extension 200 in this embodiment is more lightweightthan a conventional extension with no groove. Therefore, even where manyextensions 200 are attached to the eyelashes 50, the user 1000 feelslighter as compared with the conventional extension. Namely, theextension 200 in this embodiment can give a sense of lightness, whichcannot be provided by the conventional extension, to the user 1000.

The extension 200 in this embodiment as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 canbe produced as follows, for example. First, a resin is extruded from amold having an opening of the cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 16to produce a fibriform member having the apexes 32 and the grooves 34.Next, the fibriform member is cut so as to have the length of theartificial eyelash main body 10. Then, a part of the artificial eyelashmain body 10 obtained as a result of the cutting is immersed in achemical to make the tip portion 11 of the artificial eyelash main body10 thinner than the remaining part thereof. Thus, the extension 200 inthis embodiment can be produced. The artificial eyelash main body 10having a cross-section in which the apexes 32 are located at apexes of aregular octagon as shown in FIG. 16 is convenient because the mold canbe produced such that the apexes 32 are located at an interval of 45°.

For producing the extension 200 in this embodiment using a naturalmaterial, the artificial eyelash main body 10 formed of such a naturalmaterial may be processed to have the grooves 34 by use of a cuttingtool or the like.

The extension 200 in this embodiment may be modified as follows. In theextension 200 shown in FIG. 16, the apexes 32 of the cross-section arepointed. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 20, the apexes 32 may berounded.

In the extension 200 shown in FIG. 16, the apexes 32 of thecross-section are located at apexes of an octagon (especially, a regularoctagon). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 21, the apexes 32 of thecross-section may be located at apexes of a pentagon (especially, aregular pentagon). Still alternatively, as shown in FIG. 22, the apexes32 of the cross-section may be located at apexes of a hexagon(especially, a regular hexagon). It is preferable that the apexes 32 ofthe cross-section are located at apexes of a regular polygon (a regularoctagon, etc.) because the grooves 34 are located equidistantly and thusthe extension 200 has a preferable shape and structure. It is preferablethat the grooves 34 are located equidistantly because even when theweight is decreased, a relatively high strength can be maintained.

Embodiment 3

With reference to FIG. 23, an eyelash extension 250 in an embodimentaccording to the present invention will be described. FIG. 23 shows theartificial eyelash 250 in this embodiment which is attached to aneyelash 50 of a user (wearer).

The extension 250 in this embodiment includes an artificial eyelash mainbody 10. The artificial eyelash main body 10 in this embodiment includesa root portion 15 contactable with the eyelash 50 and a tip portion 11located opposite to the root portion 15. According to the structure ofthis embodiment, the root portion 15 has a coarse surface portion 30.

In the extension 250 in this embodiment, glue 21 is applied to the rootportion 15. The extension 250 is bonded and thus fixed to the eyelash 50with the glue 21. Specifically, the glue 21 is applied to the coarsesurface portion 30 of the root portion 15, and the extension 250 (or theartificial eyelash main body 10) is attached to the eyelash 50 with theglue 21.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a structure of the extension 250in this embodiment. FIG. 25 shows a cross-section taken along line A-Ain FIG. 24. FIG. 26 shows an enlarged side view of part B in FIG. 24.

In the extension 250 in this embodiment, the coarse surface portion 30is formed on the end face 15 a side of the root portion 15 with respectto a middle point of the artificial eyelash main body 10 in alongitudinal direction thereof. Especially, the coarse surface portion30 merely needs to be formed in an area to be in contact with theeyelash 50, and may be selectively formed only in an area on which theglue 21 is to be applied.

The coarse surface portion 30 in this embodiment includes a plurality ofparticle-like convexed and concaved portions 31. The coarse surfaceportion 30 formed of the particle-like convexed and concaved portions 31is formed on the entirety of a circumference of the root portion 15.Accordingly, the root portion 15 has the coarse surface portion 30 inall the azimuths of the surface thereof. In whichever direction the glue21 may be applied to the root portion 15, the glue 21 can be applied tothe coarse surface portion 30.

Like in the above-described embodiments, the artificial eyelash mainbody 10 in this embodiment has a shape in which the root portion 15 isthick and becomes thinner toward the tip portion 11. The artificialeyelash main body 10 in this embodiment is formed of, for example, aresin (typically, polybutylene terephthalate, polyester, acrylic resin,vinyl chloride, nylon). The artificial eyelash main body 10 has a lengthof, for example, 5 mm to 20 mm and a diameter φ (or thickness) of, forexample, 0.07 mm to 0.3 mm.

According to the structure of this embodiment, the coarse surfaceportion 30 of the artificial eyelash main body 10 is formed by frosting.In other words, the artificial eyelash main body 10 has the convexed andconcaved portions 31 provided by frosting. “Frosting” is a type ofprocessing of making a surface coarse like frost (or like frostedglass). In this embodiment, the convexed and concaved portions 31 areformed on the artificial eyelash main body 10 by sandblast. “Sandblast”is a type of processing of blowing an abrasive such as sand or the liketo a surface. For example, compressed air provided by a compressor andcontaining an abrasive mixed therein is blown to the root portion 15 ofthe artificial eyelash main body 10, and thus the coarse surface portion30 can be formed on the root portion 15. The “sand” (abrasive) used forsandblast is not limited to so-called sand and may be any abrasivesuitable to form the convexed and concaved portions 31 on the artificialeyelash main body 10.

The depth of the convexed and concaved portions 31 (difference betweenthe top of the convexed portions and the bottom of the concavedportions) in this embodiment is, for example, about 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm,but is not limited to such a range. Specifically, the depth isdetermined based on the conditions of frosting (e.g., sandblast) usedfor forming the coarse surface portion 30. In accordance with the typeof frosting used, preferable convexed and concaved portions 31 can beappropriately formed.

Alternatively, the coarse surface portion 30 may be formed bythrough-holes which are formed in the artificial eyelash main body 10.In this case, the length of the through-holes which form the convexedand concaved portions 31 correspond to the diameter φ of the artificialeyelash main body 10. Formation of the through-holes also provides anadvantage that the weight (mass) of the extension 250 can be decreased.The extension 250 is to be attached to the eyelash of the user.Therefore, although each extension 250 is lightweight, decreasing theweight thereof influences how a user (wearer) feels when wearing theextension 250. The resultant extension 250 is comfortable to wear.

The coarse surface portion 30 in this embodiment can be formed byrubbing the root portion 15 with a file (specifically, sandpaper).Sandpaper is a tool used for polishing and is obtained by applying anabrasive to a paper-like sheet. In the case where the coarse surfaceportion 30 is formed by use of sandpaper, the shape, depth and the likeof the convexed and concaved portions 31 of the coarse surface portion31 can be adjusted by the roughness (count) of the sandpaper to be used.

For forming the coarse surface portion 30 on the root portion 15 of theartificial eyelash main body 10, it is advisable to align manyartificial eyelash main bodies 10 and sandblast the root portions 15.This way, many artificial eyelash main bodies 10 having the coarsesurface portions 30 can be formed in one cycle of processing. It is alsoadvisable to align many artificial eyelash main bodies 10 and rub theroot portions 15 with sandpaper. This way also, many artificial eyelashmain bodies 10 having the coarse surface portions 30 can be formed inone cycle of processing. Needless to say, one artificial eyelash mainbody 10 may be rubbed with sandpaper to form the coarse surface portion30.

The extension 250 in this embodiment can be attached to the eyelash 50by substantially the same method as shown in FIGS. 18( a) through (c).

In the extension 250 in this embodiment, the root portion 15 of theartificial eyelash main body 10 has the coarse surface portion 30. Thecoarse surface portion 30 can easily hold the glue 21, and thus canimprove the adhesiveness between the eyelash 50 of the user and theartificial eyelash main body 10. A conventional extension has a smoothsurface and so glue does not stay necessarily well thereon. Theextension 250 in this embodiment holds the glue 21 in a better mannerbecause a surface area size thereof is increased by the coarse surfaceportion 30 (or the convexed and concaved portions 31) as compared with asmooth surface, and therefore allows the glue 21 to stay thereon well.

The surface area size increased by the coarse surface portion 30improves the force of holding the glue 21. It is preferable that thecoarse surface portion 30 is formed in an area larger than the area towhich the glue 21 is to be applied. Even if the coarse surface portion30 is formed in an area smaller than the area to which the glue 21 is tobe applied, it does not cause any problem because the coarse surfaceportion 30 can hold the glue 21 in a good manner.

Recently, there are cases where glue having a relatively weak adhesiveforce needs to be used because strong glue cannot be used inconsideration of the rash or allergy of the skin of the users or otherinfluences of an organic solvent. In such cases, a conventionalextension cannot cause glue to stay on well, which may possibly hinderthe operation of attaching the extension. By contrast, the extension 250in this embodiment allows the glue 21 to stay on well, and so suppressesthe problem even where glue having a relatively weak adhesive force isused.

In the extension 250 in this embodiment, the coarse surface portion 30is formed on the entirety of a circumference of the artificial eyelashmain body 10. Therefore, the glue 21 can be applied to the coarsesurface portion 30, not only in one direction but in other directions,to bond the artificial eyelash main body 10 to the eyelash 50. Ascompared with an extension having a C-shaped recessed portion in onedirection, the extension 250 can be attached to the eyelash 50 moreeasily.

The extension 250 in this embodiment may be modified as follows. In theextension 250 shown in FIG. 23, the coarse surface portion 30 isselectively formed on the root portion 15 of the artificial eyelash mainbody 10. Alternatively, the coarse surface portion 30 may be formed onthe entirety of the artificial eyelash main body 10. In the case wherethe coarse surface portion 30 is formed on the entirety of theartificial eyelash main body 10 also, the glue 21 can be applied to theroot portion 15 of the artificial eyelash main body 10 to attach theartificial eyelash main body 10 to the eyelash 50, needless to say.

The extension 250 in this embodiment as shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 canbe produced as follows, for example. First, a resin is extruded from amold having an opening of a circular cross-section to produce fibriformmembers having an identical diameter φ. Next, the fibriform members arecut so as to have the length of the artificial eyelash main body 10.Then, a part of each artificial eyelash main body 10 obtained as aresult of the cutting is immersed in a chemical to make the tip portion11 of the artificial eyelash main body 10 thinner than the remainingpart thereof. In the case where the artificial eyelash main body 10 isfrosted to form the coarse surface portion 30 on the entirety of theartificial eyelash main body 10 before being partially immersed in thechemical, when the part (tip portion) of the artificial eyelash mainbody 10 is immersed in the chemical, the coarse surface portion 30 maydisappear from that part. In this case, the artificial eyelash main body10 has the coarse surface portion 30 on the root portion 15 (or thevicinity thereof) thereof.

Alternatively, the artificial eyelash main body 10 may be frosted toform the coarse surface portion 30 on the entirety of the artificialeyelash main body 10 after the tip portion 11 thereof is made thinner.In this case, the extension 250 having the coarse surface portion 30 onthe entirety thereof can be obtained. Even after the tip portion 11 ofthe artificial eyelash main body 10 is made thinner, if the artificialeyelash main body 10 is frosted with the tip portion 11 (or the portionexcluding the root portion 15) being masked, the coarse surface portion30 can be formed on the root portion 15 of the artificial eyelash mainbody 10.

The coarse surface portion 30 may or may not be formed on the end face15 a of the root portion 15. According to the structure of thisembodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, the coarse surface portion 30 (convexedand concaved portions 31) is formed on the entire circumference of theroot portion 15. Alternatively, the circumference of the root portion 15may have an area where the coarse surface portion 30 (convexed andconcaved portions 31) is not formed. For example, the coarse surfaceportion 30 (convexed and concaved portions 31) may be formed in fourareas (at an interval of 90°) or eight areas (at an interval of 45°)instead of the entire circumference of the root portion 15. Even withthe structure in which the coarse surface portion 30 (convexed andconcaved portions 31) is formed in four areas (at an interval of 90°) oreight areas (at an interval of 45°), the glue 21 can be applied to theroot portion 15 in a plurality of directions, not in one direction, andthus the glue 21 can stay on the root portion 15 well.

The extension 250 in this embodiment may also be modified as follows. Inthe extension 250 shown in FIG. 27, convexed and concaved portions 33formed of a plurality of scratch-like grooves are formed on the rootportion 15 of the artificial eyelash main body 10. In other words, acoarse surface portion 35 including the convexed and concaved portions33 formed of scratch-like grooves is formed on the artificial eyelashmain body 10.

The convexed and concaved portions 33 formed of a plurality scratch-likegrooves can be provided by scratching the surface of the artificialeyelash main body 10 by use of a device including an array of tinycutting tools. Alternatively, the convexed and concaved portions 33formed of a plurality of scratch-like grooves may be provided by rubbingthe artificial eyelash main body 10 with sandpaper in a certain manner.Specifically, the convexed and concaved portions 33 formed of aplurality scratch-like grooves can be provided by rubbing the artificialeyelash main body 10 with sandpaper such that the tiny grooves (shortlinear grooves) are not connected to each other.

In the extension 250 shown in FIG. 27, the convexed and concavedportions 33 are formed on the entirety of the artificial eyelash mainbody 10. Alternatively, the convexed and concaved portions 33 formed ofscratch-like grooves (or scratches) may be formed on the root portion 15(or the vicinity thereof).

In the extension 250 shown in FIG. 27 also, the coarse surface portion35 can easily hold the glue 21, and thus can improve the adhesivenessbetween the eyelash 50 of the user and the artificial eyelash main body10. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 27, the coarse surfaceportion 35 are formed on the entire circumference of the artificialeyelash main body 10. Therefore, the glue 21 can be applied to thecoarse surface portion 35, not only in one direction but in otherdirections, to bond the artificial eyelash main body 10 to the eyelash50. As compared with an extension having a C-shaped recessed portion inone direction, the extension 250 can be attached to the eyelash 50 moreeasily.

When the extension 250 is attached to each upper eyelash 50,substantially the same state as that shown in FIG. 19 is obtained. Theextensions 250 are attached to many eyelashes 50. The extension 250 inthis embodiment allows the artificial eyelash main body 10 to beattached to the eyelash 50 easily by use of the coarse surface portion30 (or 35) formed on the artificial eyelash main body 10. Therefore, theoperation of attaching many extensions 250 can be made more easily ascompared with the case of a conventional extension having a smoothsurface.

This embodiment has been described by way of preferable examples. Theseexamples do not limit the present invention, and the present inventioncan be modified in various manners, needless to say.

Embodiment 4

With reference to FIG. 28, an eyelash extension 300 in an embodimentaccording to the present invention will be described. FIG. 28 shows theeyelash extension 300 in this embodiment which is attached to theeyelash 50 of a user (wearer).

The extension 300 in this embodiment includes an artificial eyelash mainbody 10 and silver ions (Ag+) contained in the artificial eyelash mainbody 10. The artificial eyelash main body 10 has a shape of an eyelash.Specifically, an end portion 15 of the artificial eyelash main body 10has a diameter which is larger than a diameter of a tip portion 11. Theartificial eyelash main body 10 is slightly curved, and the tip portion11 has a pointed tip. The artificial eyelash main body 10 in thisembodiment has a length of, for example, 5 mm to 20 mm. An end face 15 aof the end portion 15 has a diameter (or thickness) of, for example,0.07 mm to 0.3 mm.

In the extension 300 in this embodiment, glue 21 is attached to the endportion 15. The extension 300 is bonded and thus fixed to the eyelash 50with the glue 21.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a structure of the extension 300in this embodiment. FIG. 30 shows a cross-section taken along line A-Ain FIG. 29. FIG. 31 shows a cross-sectional view of part B in FIG. 29.

According to the structure of this embodiment, the artificial eyelashmain body 10 is formed of a resin 42, and the silver ions (Ag+) 40 aredispersed in the resin 42. The silver ions are shown schematically inFIG. 30 and FIG. 31 for illustration. FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 show thediameter φ of the end portion 15.

The silver ions (Ag+), which are antibacterial, are usable in the formof, for example, silver ion water or silver nanoparticles. A silver ion(Ag+) is a silver ion existing as a cation obtained as a result of anelectron being released from silver (Ag), which is an atom, and has asize of about 200 picometers, which is approximately the same as thesize of a silver atom and is a general size of an atom. Silver ions canbe eluted by, for example, subjecting silver to electrolysis in water.In silver ion water, silver ions are in an independently free state inwater molecules and basically exist in an ion state in water. Two mainmethods for generating silver ions include an electrolysis method ofsending an electric current through a pure silver electrode in water togenerate silver ions, and a chemical method of incorporating a chemicalcontaining silver ion components to water. Silver nanoparticles aresilver particles reduced in size to the order of nanometers. Silvernanoparticles which are silver ions reduced in size to nanoparticles andheld by alumina silica, which is a mineral, are also usable.

The resin used to form the artificial eyelash main body 10 in thisembodiment is, for example, polybutylene terephthalate, polyester,acrylic resin, vinyl chloride or nylon. In this example, the artificialeyelash main body 10 is formed of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Theartificial eyelash main body 10 may be formed of a black material or adifferent-colored material. The artificial eyelash main body 10 may becolored, for example, dark brown, purple, blue, pink, silver, green,light orange, light gold, red, wine red, white, yellow or the like, andthus can realize a color extension.

The artificial eyelash main body 10 in this embodiment can be formed asfollows. The silver ions (Ag+) 40 are incorporated into the resin 42 andthese components (40, 42) are mixed together. Then, the mixture isextruded from a mold having an opening which defines the shape of theartificial eyelash main body 10. In more detail, the resin 42 containingthe silver ions 40 is extruded from the mold to produce a fibriformmember. The fibriform member is cut so as to have the length of theartificial eyelash main body 10. Then, a part of the artificial eyelashmain body 10 obtained as a result of the cutting is immersed in achemical to make the tip portion 11 of the artificial eyelash main body10 thinner than the remaining part thereof. Thus, the extension 300 inthis embodiment can be produced.

According to the structure of this embodiment, the silver ions 40 areincorporated into the resin (e.g., PBT) 42. The ratio (% by mass) of thesilver ions 40 is 10% or less, typically, 5% or about 5%.

It is known that the silver ions 40 have an antibacterial effect, but ithas not been known whether the silver ions 40 contained in the resin 42used to form the extension 300 has an antibacterial effect. The presentinventor performed an experiment on the antibacterial property of theextension 300 in this embodiment and obtained the following results.

The test method used was the bacteria solution absorption method of JISL 1902 (2008). The test bacterium provided was Staphylococcus aureusNBRC 12732. As samples, test bacteria suspensions containing asurfactant (Tween80) were used. Sample A was the extension 300 in thisembodiment, and sample B was an extension as a comparative example withno silver ions.

In the case of sample A (extension 300), the common logarithm value ofthe number of live bacteria was 4.3 immediately after inoculation and4.3 after 18-hour culturing. The numerical value was not changed evenafter 18-hour culturing. The bacteriostatic activity value was 2.8. Fromthis inspection result, the extension 300 was recognized to beantibacterial.

By contrast, in the case of sample B (comparative example), the commonlogarithm value of the number of live bacteria was 4.3 immediately afterinoculation was inoculated and 6.4 after 18-hour culturing. Thenumerical value was confirmed to be increased after 18-hour culturing.The bacteriostatic activity value was 0.7. From this inspection result,the extension as the comparative example was not recognized to beantibacterial.

For reference, in the case of the cotton standard white cloth, thecommon logarithm value of the number of live bacteria was 4.3immediately after inoculation and 7.2 after 18-hour culturing. As thecriteria for recognizing the antibacterial property, a bacteriostaticactivity value of 2.2 or greater can be used. The bacteriostaticactivity value is found by (Mb−Ma)−(Mc−Mo). When the bacteriostaticactivity value 2.2 regarding a certain substance, the substance isrecognized to be antibacterial.

Mb is the average value of the common logarithm values of the number oflive bacteria of three samples after 18-hour culturing in theunprocessed cloth (or standard cloth). Ma is the average value of thecommon logarithm values of the number of live bacteria of three samplesimmediately after inoculation to the unprocessed cloth (or standardcloth). Mc is the average value of the common logarithm values of thenumber of live bacteria of three samples after 18-hour culturing in theantibacterial-processed cloth (in this example, the material of theextension). Mo is the average value of the common logarithm values ofthe number of live bacteria of three samples immediately afterinoculation to the antibacterial-processed cloth (in this example, thematerial of the extension 300.

As described above, the extension 300 in this embodiment was recognizedto be antibacterial, whereas the extension as the comparative examplewas not recognized to be antibacterial. The difference between theresults of the antibacterial properties of the two types of extensionswas conspicuous.

The extension 300 in this embodiment can suppress the propagation of thebacteria (germs) owing to the antibacterial effect of the silver ionscontained in the artificial eyelash main body 10. Namely, the extensioncan be antibacterial. Therefore, the extension 300, even if attached tothe eyelash 50 for a long time, can suppress the harm which would havebeen caused by the propagation of the bacteria.

Silver ions can strongly adsorb cells of various types of bacteria, andblock and thus extirpate the cellular enzymes. Thus, silver ions cancontrol the propagation of bacteria. Silver ions have features of havinga relatively strong antibacterial effect but of being highly safe to thehuman body. Therefore, even if the extension 300 is inadvertently putinto the mouth of the user, there is substantially no problem caused bythe silver ions.

Now, with reference to FIGS. 32( a) through (c), a method for attachingthe extension 300 in this embodiment to the eyelash 50 will bedescribed.

First, as shown in FIG. 32( a), a part of the extension 300 is picked upwith tweezers 60, and the extension 300 is located near the eyelash 50in the state where the glue 21 is applied to the end portion 15.

Next, as shown in FIG. 32( b), the glue 21 of the extension 300 isattached to the eyelash 50 and the extension 300 is put into closecontact with the eyelash 50. When the glue 21 is cured to fix theextension 300 to the eyelash 50, as shown in FIG. 32( c), the tweezers60 are detached. Thus, the attachment of the extension 300 is completed.This operation is conducted for each eyelash 50.

The extension 300 in this embodiment is antibacterial. Therefore, evenif the extension 300 is touched with the fingers of the hand, instead ofthe tweezers 60, in any of the steps of FIGS. 32( a) through (c), thepropagation of bacteria can be suppressed. In addition, even if the user(wearer) touches the extension 300 with his/her fingers after theextension 300 is attached to the eyelash 50, the propagation of bacteriacan be suppressed.

When the extension 300 in this embodiment is attached to each uppereyelash 50, substantially the same state as that shown in FIG. 19 isobtained. The extensions 300 are attached to many eyelashes 50. Whenmany extensions 300 are attached to the upper eyelashes 50, there aremore chances that the fingers or skin touches the extension 300.However, the extension 300 in this embodiment is antibacterial and socan suppress the propagation of bacteria more than a conventionalextension.

The extension 300 shown in FIG. 30 has a circular cross-section, but thepresent invention is not limited to this. The extension may have anelliptical (or substantially elliptical or egg-shaped) cross-section.Alternatively, the cross-section of the extension 300 may be polygonal(hexagonal, octagonal, etc.), or star-shaped (star-shaped with sixapexes or eight apexes).

In the above-described structure, silver ions (Ag+) are contained as anantibacterial material in the artificial eyelash main body 10.Alternatively, any other antibacterial material may be contained in theartificial eyelash main body 10 in the conditions in which such amaterial provides an antibacterial effect. For example, titanium oxidemay be contained in the artificial eyelash main body 10 instead of (orin addition to) silver ions. Antibacterial materials other than silverions or titanium oxide may be used. Usable antibacterial materialsinclude inorganic antibacterial materials (which use the bacteriostaticactivity of metal ions) and organic antibacterial materials (which useorganic substances; synthetic type antibacterial materials and naturaltype antibacterial materials).

The structure of this embodiment is described above as being used for anextension (eyelash extension) but is not limited to this. The structureof this embodiment is also applicable to a false eyelash (see, forexample, “16” in FIG. 7( a), “18” in FIG. 9. Namely, even where anantibacterial material (e.g., silver ions) is contained in theartificial eyelash main body (16, 18) of a false eyelash type, thepropagation of bacteria can be suppressed more than in a conventionalfalse eyelash since the artificial eyelash (false eyelash) 300 in thisembodiment is antibacterial.

The present invention has been described by way of various embodiments.These embodiments do not limit the present invention, and the presentinvention can be modified in various manners, needless to say. Forexample, the artificial eyelashes (extensions) 100, 200, 250 and 300 inthe above-described embodiments may be attached to lower eyelashes. Asdescribed above, in the states shown in, for example, FIGS. 32( a)through (c), the artificial eyelash main body 10 in any of theabove-described embodiments of the extension may be temporarily attachedto the eyelash 50 by use of a liquid (e.g., water or a liquid having ahigher viscosity than that of water, typically, a liquid cosmeticmaterial) instead of the glue 21. Such temporary attachment allows theuser (wearer) 1000 to check the design or how he/she feels when wearingthe extension in the embodiment. In the case of the extensions 200 and250 in the embodiments according to the present invention, the use of aliquid (water or a liquid cosmetic material) has an advantage of makingthe temporary attachment operation easy because the artificial eyelashmain body 10 has an increased surface area size and so has an increasedforce of holding the liquid owing to the surface tension thereof. In thecase of the extension 300, the use of a liquid has an advantage ofmaking the temporary attachment operation easy because the antibacterialmaterial is hydrophilic, and when the antibacterial material is on thesurface of the artificial eyelash main body 10, the surface has anincreased force of holding the liquid.

In the above-described embodiments, the extensions (100, 200, 250, 300)are each attached to the eyelash 50 of the user (wearer) 1000. Theeyelash 50 may be an eyelash portion of a false eyelash. Namely, theextension of any of the embodiments of the present invention can beattached to the eyelash portion 50 of a false eyelash, instead of ahuman eyelash. This way, a unique false eyelash which meets the tastesof the user can be produced. As a practice of attaching an extension,the extension 100 or the like may be attached to the eyelash portion 50of a false eyelash. In the case where the extension 100 or the like isattached to the eyelash portion 50 of a false eyelash also, theabove-described effects of the embodiments can be provided.

The structures of the embodiments may be appropriately combined. Forexample, the structure of the extension 100 in Embodiment 1 may becombined with the structure of the extension 300 in Embodiment 4(antibacterial material). Specifically, an antibacterial material can becontained in the artificial eyelash main body 10 and/or the annularmember 20 in Embodiment 1. The structure of the extension 200 or 250 inEmbodiment 2 or 3 may be combined with the structure of the extension300 in Embodiment 4 (antibacterial material). The structure of theextension 100 in Embodiment 1 may be combined with the structure of theextension 200 or 250 in Embodiment 2 or 3 to decrease the weight of theextension.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   10 Artificial eyelash main body-   11 Tip portion-   13 Artificial eyelash portion-   14 Support portion-   15 Root portion (end portion)-   15 a End face-   16 Main body-   17 Middle point-   18 False eyelash (short type)-   19 Artificial eyelash portion-   20 Annular member-   21 Glue-   22 Annular member-   22 a Opening-   24 Annular member-   24 a Opening-   26 Band-like portion-   27 Annular member-   30 Surface portion-   31 Concaved and convexed portion-   32 Apex-   33 Concaved and convexed portion-   34 Groove-   35 Surface portion-   40 Silver ions (antibacterial material)-   42 Resin-   50 Eyelash (eyelash portion)-   55 Skin-   60 Tweezers-   65 Extending direction-   70 Heat-   100 Extension-   150 Extension-   200 Extension-   250 Extension-   300 Extension-   1000 User

1. (canceled)
 2. An eyelash extension for increasing a length of an eyelash, the eyelash extension comprising: an artificial eyelash main body having a tip portion and an end portion; and silver ions contained in the artificial eyelash main body; wherein the end portion of the artificial eyelash main body has a diameter which is larger than a diameter of the tip portion.
 3. The eyelash extension of claim 2, wherein the artificial eyelash main body is formed of a resin, and the silver ions are dispersed in the resin.
 4. The eyelash extension of claim 3, wherein the resin is polybutylene terephthalate, and the artificial eyelash main body has a circular cross-section.
 5. The eyelash extension of claim 2, wherein the artificial eyelash main body has a polygonal cross-section.
 6. The eyelash extension of claim 2, wherein the artificial eyelash main body is colored with a color selected from the group consisting of black, dark brown, purple, blue, pink, silver, green, light orange, light gold, red, wine red, white and yellow.
 7. The eyelash extension of claim 2, wherein an incorporating ratio (% by mass) of the silver ions is 10% or less.
 8. A method for making an eyelash extension, comprising: incorporating silver ions into a resin; extruding the resin containing the silver ions from a mold to produce a fibriform member; and cutting the fibriform member so as to have a length of the artificial eyelash main body.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: immersing a part of the artificial eyelash main obtained as a result of the cutting in a chemical.
 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: coloring the resin with a color selected from the group consisting of black, dark brown, purple, blue, pink, silver, green, light orange, light gold, red, wine red, white and yellow.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein an incorporating ratio (% by mass) of the silver ions to the resin is 10% or less.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the resin is polybutylene terephthalate, and the mold has an opening of a circular cross-section to produce the fibriform member.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the mold has an opening of a polygonal cross-section to produce the fibriform member.
 14. A method for attaching eyelash extension, comprising: preparing an eyelash extension including an artificial eyelash main body having a tip portion and an end portion, the artificial eyelash main body containing silver ions, wherein the artificial eyelash main body is formed of a resin and the silver ions are dispersed in the resin; applying glue to the end portion of the artificial eyelash main body; and attaching the glue to an eyelash in the state where the glue is applied to the end portion of the artificial eyelash main body.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the attaching the glue includes locating the artificial eyelash main body near the eyelash by picking up the artificial eyelash main body with tweezers or by hand.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the resin is colored with a color selected from the group consisting of black, dark brown, purple, blue, pink, silver, green, light orange, light gold, red, wine red, white and yellow.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein an incorporating ratio (% by mass) of the silver ions to the resin is 10% or less. 